Crews respond to head-on collision in East Missoula

Two people have been rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after a head-on collision in East Missoula.

Highway Patrol troopers responded to the incident. They tell us a blue Jetta was heading west on Highway 200, toward Missoula, when investigators believe the Jetta drifted and collided with a truck heading eastbound.

The drivers of each vehicle were the only occupants. Both had to be extracted by emergency crews using the jaws of life.

Witnesses tell us it took about 20 minutes for crews to get the driver of the Jetta out of her car, because they had to cut the roof off to get her out.

"The Fourth of July is the deadliest holiday in the state," said Trooper Robert Strauch. "We need to make sure we are driving very cautiously, with our seat belts on, and we need to slow down and make sure too that we have designated drivers."

Troopers tell us both drivers were taken to a Missoula hospital and are facing life-threatening injuries. No update yet on their condition.

Officials are still investigating the cause of the accident, but believe speed may be a factor.

Copyright 2013 by KECI, KCFW, KTVM. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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